AAR to service British air fleet

WOOD DALE, Ill., Dec. 13 (UPI) -- U.S. firm AAR Corp. has won a contract to service Britain's Royal Squadron Fleet.

AAR will be the exclusive manager and single source for repairs and spare parts requirements for Britain's Royal Squadron Fleet squadron of BAe146 and HS125 aircraft.

The three-year agreement includes a one-year renewal option, AAR Corp. said in a release.

The BAe146 and HS125 aircraft, flown by the No. 32 Royal Squadron at air base Northolt are used to transport VIPs, including members of the Royal Family, as well as transporting passengers and freight between Afghanistan and Britain.

"We are excited to grow our existing relationship with the U.K. Ministry of Defense and to provide them with an efficient and cost-effective component repair and procurement program supporting the vital operational roles these aircraft play, said AAR Corp. Aviation Services Group Vice President, Inventory Management and Distribution John Holmes.

"With our experience managing sophisticated supply chains and our history of solid execution, we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship between AAR and the Ministry of Defense."

United Press International is a leading provider of news, photos and information to millions of readers around the globe via UPI.com and its licensing services.

With a history of reliable reporting dating back to 1907, today's UPI is a credible source for the most important stories of the day, continually updated - a one-stop site for U.S. and world news, as well as entertainment, trends, science, health and stunning photography. UPI also provides insightful reports on key topics of geopolitical importance, including energy and security.

A Spanish version of the site reaches millions of readers in Latin America and beyond.

UPI was founded in 1907 by E.W. Scripps as the United Press (UP). It became known as UPI after a merger with the International News Service in 1958, which was founded in 1909 by William Randolph Hearst. Today, UPI is owned by News World Communications.